Chapter 2: An imperfect beginning
Last chapter:
Julian’s exit seemed to have brought a stunned Sam out of her reverie. Was she dreaming atau had Brooke actually asked Julian out on a date?
Turning towards Brooke with a shocked face, she asked, “What the hell was that Brooke?”
--
“I don’t know,” Brooke berkata honestly still in shock at what she had done.
“What do anda mean anda don’t know?” Sam asked rolling her eyes, “You just asked the guy out on a date. You’ve got to know what you’re doing.”
“Okay one, I wasn’t thinking, and it just came out. And second, it’s not a date,” Brooke berkata seriously as she turned her attention back to her sketches.
“How is this not a date? anda just asked a guy out to makan malam, majlis makan malam dude, how is that not a date? And for what it’s worth, I am really glad anda did that because seriously it’s about time,” Sam berkata playfully as Brooke’s head snapped back up at her words.
“I repeat it’s not a date. It’s just two Friends getting together for dinner, and what do anda mean it’s about time?” Brooke asked quirking her eyebrows.
“Pshhh, it is about time. The whole world knows that there is something going on between anda and Julian. anda guys are so blind it’s ridiculous. I have never felt lebih proud of anda than I did when anda finally asked him out,” Sam berkata enthusiastically.
“Whoa slow down kiddo. You’re going way ahead of yourself. There is nothing going on between Julian and me, and I don’t see anything happening either. So get your head out of that la la land of yours and get back to reality,” Brooke berkata evenly.
“And anda get your head out that denial of yours and face your feelings for once in your life. I am going utama and when you’re ready to be honest with yourself and the rest of the world talk to me,” Sam snapped and without another word she walked out of the store leaving a stunned Brooke behind.
Denial? Her? Yeah. Right.
--
On the way home, Sam replayed the conversation she had with Brooke only a couple of minit ago. She felt horrible for snapping at Brooke, but at the same time she couldn’t believe how blind both her and Julian were being. After the attack, they had become significantly closer, and it didn’t take long for everyone to realize that beneath the friendship façade, there was big pot of chemistry brewing between the couple. Sam had noticed this a week lalu when friendly conversation turned into slight flirting and lebih physical contact. No, they hadn’t kissed atau anything, but there was definitely a closeness between them that passed the boundary of friendship.
Sam had been elated when she had noticed these slight but sure signs of flirtations. She was finally seeing Brooke happy after a long time and she couldn’t be happier about the fact that the guy inciting those feelings in her was none other Julian. Julian and her had become really close in the past two weeks and she had started seeing him as a father figure, as a person that she could depend on and who wanted to see her happy. He was the only person after Brooke that she could actually trust and open up to.
She knew that both of them had been romantically hurt in the past. Brooke sejak Lucas and Julian sejak Peyton, and she saw this as a perfect moment for the both of them to alih on with their lives and start fresh.
The attack had really changed her perspective of life and after the life Brooke had telah diberi her, all she wanted was for her to be happy once again. She wanted to see a glimpse of the bubbly, carefree girl she had seen her foster mother to be in her yearbook photos.
And she really believed that Julian could bring her out of that shell she had cast around herself. He had proven himself to be worthy so far, and sejak now Sam had no doubt about his intentions.
That was why she had been so happy when she heard Brooke ask Julian for dinner, and so pissed when Brooke told her that it meant nothing. She wanted to shake Brooke and make her come to her senses to see what was standing right in front of her.
Looking up Sam saw in surprise that she was standing in front of her house. Even though her mind was completely on Brooke and Julian, her feet had somehow led her home.
Sighing, Sam jogged across the driveway and stopped in front of the door. Unlocking the door with her key, she walked inside and as she closed the door behind her she vowed to herself that she would bring Brooke out of her denial even if it was the last thing she did.
--
6 o’ clock in Brooke’s house
“What the hell is going in here?” Sam asked incredulously as she walked inside Brooke’s bedroom to see clothes all over the place, and Brooke cursing under her breath in her closet.
“Oh look who’s finally talking to me,” Brooke berkata sarcastically as she walked out of the closet with a disheveled look on her face. Ever since Brooke came utama 3 hours ago, Sam hadn’t spoken a word to her. Even though Brooke had tried to strike a conversation a couple of times, all her efforts had gone in vain, because all Sam had done in response was increase the already blaring Muzik in her i-pod.
“Haha very funny. I just wanted to make sure anda weren’t suffocated sejak these mountains of clothes. It looks like your closet blew up in here,” Sam berkata looking around with a look of distaste on her face.
“No, no the closet didn’t blow up. I am just having some issues that’s all,” Brooke berkata tiredly as she ran a hand through her cropped hair.
“Yeah, I can tell. Mind telling me what’s wrong, maybe I can help you,” Sam berkata as she sat on the little visible angkasa left on Brooke’s bed.
“No that’s okay, I can handle it sejak myself. anda go do whatever anda were doing before anda came here,” Brooke berkata distractedly as she eyed the mess around her room.
“Oh I get it. This has got something to do with your date- I mean your friendly makan malam, majlis makan malam doesn’t it? That’s why anda won’t tell me?” Sam asked smirking.
“Sam, this is not the time,” Brooke groaned, wishing that Sam wasn’t so quick sometimes.
“Fine. Fine. I’ll make a deal with anda okay? anda tell me what’s wrong and I won’t make any komen-komen on your tarikh tonight with Julian,” Sam proposed with an innocent look on her face.
“How many times do I have to tell anda that it’s not a date? But alright fine, if I tell anda what’s wrong, you’re not going to make any smart komen-komen about my date- not that it’s tarikh atau anything,” Brooke berkata quickly at the amused look on Sam’s face.
“Cross my heart,” Sam promised as she looked expectantly at her foster mother’s face.
“Okay, see this is the thing. I can’t decide what to wear tonight,” Brooke berkata hastily, throwing Sam a glare daring her to say anything. But did that stop her? Of course not.
“Why would anda care so much how anda look tonight? It’s not like you’re trying to impress anyone atau anything,” Sam said, grinning mischievously.
“Sam I thought we had a deal here,” Brooke berkata frustrated.
“Hey, I am not saying anything. I mean you’ve berkata a thousand times that it’s not a date, so just wear anything. Wear sweats and a tank bahagian, atas for all I care, because like I said, you’re not trying to impress anyone,” Sam berkata rolling her eyes. She knew she had Brooke just where she wanted her to be.
“While that may be true, I still don’t want to look like a troll. I want to look good for myself, it that such a crime now?” Brooke asked.
“You always look good Brooke. Every outfit in your closet looks gorgeous on you,” Sam berkata sincerely.
“I know, I know, I just want an outfit that’s neither too informal nor too formal. Something in the between anda know. I want to wear something appealing anda know,” Brooke berkata softly.
“Why?” Sam probed gently. She was very close to getting the confession out of Brooke. She knew Brooke was going to break very soon.
“I don’t know. I have been thinking about what anda said, and I have no idea what I am feeling. I don’t know if I like Julian, but there is something there. Something that’s getting harder and harder for me to ignore as the days go by. This is all new to me, with all my sebelumnya boyfriends it was attraction at first sight, but this is so new, so different that it scares the crap out of me,” Brooke confessed slowly.
“Wear those new black jeans anda bought last week with that red baju singkat, halter bahagian, atas I got you,” Sam instructed.
“What?” Brooke asked surprised. She had just confessed to Sam what she had wanted to hear all day, and all she got in reply was what to wear.
“I am telling anda what to wear. Something that would make anda look appealing to Julian. He’s going to Cinta it,” Sam berkata confidently, smiling slightly.
“How would anda know?” Brooke asked curiously.
“I have my sources,” Sam berkata mysteriously, “He’s a good guy Brooke and anda deserve a chance at happiness. I think it’s a perfect match.”
“Thanks Sam,” Brooke berkata gratefully.
“No problem. But anda might want to clean up this mess if you’re planning to give Julian a little tour of your bedroom tonight,” Sam berkata smirking as she walked out of the room leaving a spluttering Brooke behind.
--
“So your tarikh should be here soon,” Sam berkata conversationally as Brooke came downstairs ready for her date.
“Yeah he should be. He has proven himself to be pretty punctual in the past,” Brooke replied.
“Okay then, I guess I shall be leaving,” Sam berkata as she started making her way towards the door.
“Wait. What do anda mean you’re going to be leaving? Where are anda going?” Brooke asked quickly.
“I am going to Peyton and Lucas’s house for dinner. I might even stay the night there because I really don’t want to come utama and be scarred for life,” Sam berkata seriously, her eyes twinkling in mirth.
“Samantha Walker nothing like that will happen tonight. And anda should have told me that anda were going over to Lucas and Peyton’s. I was under the impression that anda would be eating with us,” Brooke reprimanded.
“Well I really don’t want to be the third wheel. And Peyton and Lucas are babysitting Jamie tonight too, so when Peyton invited me, I decided why the hell not,” Sam explained.
“Al right fine, anda can go there for dinner, but I want anda back here sejak 11, okay? Julian will probably have left sejak them and I am really in no mood to sleep in an empty house,” Brooke berkata seriously.
“In my opinion, anda should let me sleepover at Peyton’s and anda invite Julian to spend the night here,” Sam berkata innocently.
But before Brooke could answer, they were interrupted sejak the shrill ringing of the doorbell.
“Oh look your boyfriend’s here. Why don’t anda open the door while I go get my stuff,” Sam berkata as she turned around to pick up her small duffel.
“Look Sam, I am going to go open the door, and when Julian comes in, I want anda to keep all your smart komen-komen to yourself,” Brooke berkata severely as she went to open the door.
“Hey,” Julian greeted from the other side. He was wearing a light blue button up with the bahagian, atas two buttons undone. He had on neatly pressed black seluar, slacks and his hair was neatly brushed back. Running her eyes across his torso, Brooke had to admit that he looked great.
“Hey,” Brooke smiled back, “Come on in.”
“Thanks. Oh and this is for you,” Julian berkata handing her a single red rose that he was carrying behind his back.
“Oh thank you. It’s beautiful,” Brooke berkata extremely touched sejak his kind gesture.
“Aww isn’t this cute,” Sam berkata smirking as she walked in to see Brooke stroking the rose lightly while Julian stood seterusnya to her his eyes fixed on the woman in front of him.
“Oh look the ice Queen is here,” Julian berkata sarcastically, “I was just wondering why it was so peaceful in here, and then I realized that it was because anda weren’t here.”
“Oh don’t worry, you’re not on my senarai of Kegemaran either. But don’t worry, I am leaving you’ll get your peacefulness back very soon,” Sam shot back just as sarcastically.
“Where are anda running to this time?” Julian asked playfully.
“Oh just going to the seterusnya house who would take me in,” Sam berkata cryptically.
“Well that’s a shame, because I was under the impression that anda would be joining us tonight,” Julian said.
“Yeah so was I,” Brooke muttered under her breath.
“Nah, change of plans. And anyways, I really don’t want to be here,” Sam berkata as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
“Should I be offended? I really don’t think I am bad company. Brooke doesn’t think I am bad company, do anda Brooke?” Julian asked turning towards Brooke
“Contrary to your personal beliefs, the world doesn’t revolve around you,” Sam berkata seriously before Brooke got a chance to reply
“Sam didn’t anda tell Peyton to be at her place sejak 8? You’re already 5 minit late,” Brooke berkata intervening in the conversation for the first time.
“Yeah, yeah I am leaving. I can tell that my presence is no longer welcome,” Sam berkata sighing dramatically as she moved towards the door.
“Stop being such a drama queen,” Brooke berkata rolling her eyes, “I expect anda to be back sejak 11.”
“Al right fine if anda insist,” Sam berkata as she stepped outside, “Play nice anda guys, and try to keep it PG-13!” And with that, she was gone.
“Um what did she mean sejak that?” Julian asked confused.
“I have long telah diberi up trying to figure out the words that come out of that girl’s mouth,” Brooke berkata seriously, wanting to strangle Sam. She had told her to keep her smart komen-komen to herself, but she just had to say anything and everything that came to her mind.
The night hadn’t even started and it was already turning out to be a disaster.
A/N Well here anda go Part 2...I'll update the seterusnya chapter soon because it's already written and telah diposkan up on fanfiction.net! So please, please Rate and leave a review =]
Last chapter:
Julian’s exit seemed to have brought a stunned Sam out of her reverie. Was she dreaming atau had Brooke actually asked Julian out on a date?
Turning towards Brooke with a shocked face, she asked, “What the hell was that Brooke?”
--
“I don’t know,” Brooke berkata honestly still in shock at what she had done.
“What do anda mean anda don’t know?” Sam asked rolling her eyes, “You just asked the guy out on a date. You’ve got to know what you’re doing.”
“Okay one, I wasn’t thinking, and it just came out. And second, it’s not a date,” Brooke berkata seriously as she turned her attention back to her sketches.
“How is this not a date? anda just asked a guy out to makan malam, majlis makan malam dude, how is that not a date? And for what it’s worth, I am really glad anda did that because seriously it’s about time,” Sam berkata playfully as Brooke’s head snapped back up at her words.
“I repeat it’s not a date. It’s just two Friends getting together for dinner, and what do anda mean it’s about time?” Brooke asked quirking her eyebrows.
“Pshhh, it is about time. The whole world knows that there is something going on between anda and Julian. anda guys are so blind it’s ridiculous. I have never felt lebih proud of anda than I did when anda finally asked him out,” Sam berkata enthusiastically.
“Whoa slow down kiddo. You’re going way ahead of yourself. There is nothing going on between Julian and me, and I don’t see anything happening either. So get your head out of that la la land of yours and get back to reality,” Brooke berkata evenly.
“And anda get your head out that denial of yours and face your feelings for once in your life. I am going utama and when you’re ready to be honest with yourself and the rest of the world talk to me,” Sam snapped and without another word she walked out of the store leaving a stunned Brooke behind.
Denial? Her? Yeah. Right.
--
On the way home, Sam replayed the conversation she had with Brooke only a couple of minit ago. She felt horrible for snapping at Brooke, but at the same time she couldn’t believe how blind both her and Julian were being. After the attack, they had become significantly closer, and it didn’t take long for everyone to realize that beneath the friendship façade, there was big pot of chemistry brewing between the couple. Sam had noticed this a week lalu when friendly conversation turned into slight flirting and lebih physical contact. No, they hadn’t kissed atau anything, but there was definitely a closeness between them that passed the boundary of friendship.
Sam had been elated when she had noticed these slight but sure signs of flirtations. She was finally seeing Brooke happy after a long time and she couldn’t be happier about the fact that the guy inciting those feelings in her was none other Julian. Julian and her had become really close in the past two weeks and she had started seeing him as a father figure, as a person that she could depend on and who wanted to see her happy. He was the only person after Brooke that she could actually trust and open up to.
She knew that both of them had been romantically hurt in the past. Brooke sejak Lucas and Julian sejak Peyton, and she saw this as a perfect moment for the both of them to alih on with their lives and start fresh.
The attack had really changed her perspective of life and after the life Brooke had telah diberi her, all she wanted was for her to be happy once again. She wanted to see a glimpse of the bubbly, carefree girl she had seen her foster mother to be in her yearbook photos.
And she really believed that Julian could bring her out of that shell she had cast around herself. He had proven himself to be worthy so far, and sejak now Sam had no doubt about his intentions.
That was why she had been so happy when she heard Brooke ask Julian for dinner, and so pissed when Brooke told her that it meant nothing. She wanted to shake Brooke and make her come to her senses to see what was standing right in front of her.
Looking up Sam saw in surprise that she was standing in front of her house. Even though her mind was completely on Brooke and Julian, her feet had somehow led her home.
Sighing, Sam jogged across the driveway and stopped in front of the door. Unlocking the door with her key, she walked inside and as she closed the door behind her she vowed to herself that she would bring Brooke out of her denial even if it was the last thing she did.
--
6 o’ clock in Brooke’s house
“What the hell is going in here?” Sam asked incredulously as she walked inside Brooke’s bedroom to see clothes all over the place, and Brooke cursing under her breath in her closet.
“Oh look who’s finally talking to me,” Brooke berkata sarcastically as she walked out of the closet with a disheveled look on her face. Ever since Brooke came utama 3 hours ago, Sam hadn’t spoken a word to her. Even though Brooke had tried to strike a conversation a couple of times, all her efforts had gone in vain, because all Sam had done in response was increase the already blaring Muzik in her i-pod.
“Haha very funny. I just wanted to make sure anda weren’t suffocated sejak these mountains of clothes. It looks like your closet blew up in here,” Sam berkata looking around with a look of distaste on her face.
“No, no the closet didn’t blow up. I am just having some issues that’s all,” Brooke berkata tiredly as she ran a hand through her cropped hair.
“Yeah, I can tell. Mind telling me what’s wrong, maybe I can help you,” Sam berkata as she sat on the little visible angkasa left on Brooke’s bed.
“No that’s okay, I can handle it sejak myself. anda go do whatever anda were doing before anda came here,” Brooke berkata distractedly as she eyed the mess around her room.
“Oh I get it. This has got something to do with your date- I mean your friendly makan malam, majlis makan malam doesn’t it? That’s why anda won’t tell me?” Sam asked smirking.
“Sam, this is not the time,” Brooke groaned, wishing that Sam wasn’t so quick sometimes.
“Fine. Fine. I’ll make a deal with anda okay? anda tell me what’s wrong and I won’t make any komen-komen on your tarikh tonight with Julian,” Sam proposed with an innocent look on her face.
“How many times do I have to tell anda that it’s not a date? But alright fine, if I tell anda what’s wrong, you’re not going to make any smart komen-komen about my date- not that it’s tarikh atau anything,” Brooke berkata quickly at the amused look on Sam’s face.
“Cross my heart,” Sam promised as she looked expectantly at her foster mother’s face.
“Okay, see this is the thing. I can’t decide what to wear tonight,” Brooke berkata hastily, throwing Sam a glare daring her to say anything. But did that stop her? Of course not.
“Why would anda care so much how anda look tonight? It’s not like you’re trying to impress anyone atau anything,” Sam said, grinning mischievously.
“Sam I thought we had a deal here,” Brooke berkata frustrated.
“Hey, I am not saying anything. I mean you’ve berkata a thousand times that it’s not a date, so just wear anything. Wear sweats and a tank bahagian, atas for all I care, because like I said, you’re not trying to impress anyone,” Sam berkata rolling her eyes. She knew she had Brooke just where she wanted her to be.
“While that may be true, I still don’t want to look like a troll. I want to look good for myself, it that such a crime now?” Brooke asked.
“You always look good Brooke. Every outfit in your closet looks gorgeous on you,” Sam berkata sincerely.
“I know, I know, I just want an outfit that’s neither too informal nor too formal. Something in the between anda know. I want to wear something appealing anda know,” Brooke berkata softly.
“Why?” Sam probed gently. She was very close to getting the confession out of Brooke. She knew Brooke was going to break very soon.
“I don’t know. I have been thinking about what anda said, and I have no idea what I am feeling. I don’t know if I like Julian, but there is something there. Something that’s getting harder and harder for me to ignore as the days go by. This is all new to me, with all my sebelumnya boyfriends it was attraction at first sight, but this is so new, so different that it scares the crap out of me,” Brooke confessed slowly.
“Wear those new black jeans anda bought last week with that red baju singkat, halter bahagian, atas I got you,” Sam instructed.
“What?” Brooke asked surprised. She had just confessed to Sam what she had wanted to hear all day, and all she got in reply was what to wear.
“I am telling anda what to wear. Something that would make anda look appealing to Julian. He’s going to Cinta it,” Sam berkata confidently, smiling slightly.
“How would anda know?” Brooke asked curiously.
“I have my sources,” Sam berkata mysteriously, “He’s a good guy Brooke and anda deserve a chance at happiness. I think it’s a perfect match.”
“Thanks Sam,” Brooke berkata gratefully.
“No problem. But anda might want to clean up this mess if you’re planning to give Julian a little tour of your bedroom tonight,” Sam berkata smirking as she walked out of the room leaving a spluttering Brooke behind.
--
“So your tarikh should be here soon,” Sam berkata conversationally as Brooke came downstairs ready for her date.
“Yeah he should be. He has proven himself to be pretty punctual in the past,” Brooke replied.
“Okay then, I guess I shall be leaving,” Sam berkata as she started making her way towards the door.
“Wait. What do anda mean you’re going to be leaving? Where are anda going?” Brooke asked quickly.
“I am going to Peyton and Lucas’s house for dinner. I might even stay the night there because I really don’t want to come utama and be scarred for life,” Sam berkata seriously, her eyes twinkling in mirth.
“Samantha Walker nothing like that will happen tonight. And anda should have told me that anda were going over to Lucas and Peyton’s. I was under the impression that anda would be eating with us,” Brooke reprimanded.
“Well I really don’t want to be the third wheel. And Peyton and Lucas are babysitting Jamie tonight too, so when Peyton invited me, I decided why the hell not,” Sam explained.
“Al right fine, anda can go there for dinner, but I want anda back here sejak 11, okay? Julian will probably have left sejak them and I am really in no mood to sleep in an empty house,” Brooke berkata seriously.
“In my opinion, anda should let me sleepover at Peyton’s and anda invite Julian to spend the night here,” Sam berkata innocently.
But before Brooke could answer, they were interrupted sejak the shrill ringing of the doorbell.
“Oh look your boyfriend’s here. Why don’t anda open the door while I go get my stuff,” Sam berkata as she turned around to pick up her small duffel.
“Look Sam, I am going to go open the door, and when Julian comes in, I want anda to keep all your smart komen-komen to yourself,” Brooke berkata severely as she went to open the door.
“Hey,” Julian greeted from the other side. He was wearing a light blue button up with the bahagian, atas two buttons undone. He had on neatly pressed black seluar, slacks and his hair was neatly brushed back. Running her eyes across his torso, Brooke had to admit that he looked great.
“Hey,” Brooke smiled back, “Come on in.”
“Thanks. Oh and this is for you,” Julian berkata handing her a single red rose that he was carrying behind his back.
“Oh thank you. It’s beautiful,” Brooke berkata extremely touched sejak his kind gesture.
“Aww isn’t this cute,” Sam berkata smirking as she walked in to see Brooke stroking the rose lightly while Julian stood seterusnya to her his eyes fixed on the woman in front of him.
“Oh look the ice Queen is here,” Julian berkata sarcastically, “I was just wondering why it was so peaceful in here, and then I realized that it was because anda weren’t here.”
“Oh don’t worry, you’re not on my senarai of Kegemaran either. But don’t worry, I am leaving you’ll get your peacefulness back very soon,” Sam shot back just as sarcastically.
“Where are anda running to this time?” Julian asked playfully.
“Oh just going to the seterusnya house who would take me in,” Sam berkata cryptically.
“Well that’s a shame, because I was under the impression that anda would be joining us tonight,” Julian said.
“Yeah so was I,” Brooke muttered under her breath.
“Nah, change of plans. And anyways, I really don’t want to be here,” Sam berkata as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
“Should I be offended? I really don’t think I am bad company. Brooke doesn’t think I am bad company, do anda Brooke?” Julian asked turning towards Brooke
“Contrary to your personal beliefs, the world doesn’t revolve around you,” Sam berkata seriously before Brooke got a chance to reply
“Sam didn’t anda tell Peyton to be at her place sejak 8? You’re already 5 minit late,” Brooke berkata intervening in the conversation for the first time.
“Yeah, yeah I am leaving. I can tell that my presence is no longer welcome,” Sam berkata sighing dramatically as she moved towards the door.
“Stop being such a drama queen,” Brooke berkata rolling her eyes, “I expect anda to be back sejak 11.”
“Al right fine if anda insist,” Sam berkata as she stepped outside, “Play nice anda guys, and try to keep it PG-13!” And with that, she was gone.
“Um what did she mean sejak that?” Julian asked confused.
“I have long telah diberi up trying to figure out the words that come out of that girl’s mouth,” Brooke berkata seriously, wanting to strangle Sam. She had told her to keep her smart komen-komen to herself, but she just had to say anything and everything that came to her mind.
The night hadn’t even started and it was already turning out to be a disaster.
A/N Well here anda go Part 2...I'll update the seterusnya chapter soon because it's already written and telah diposkan up on fanfiction.net! So please, please Rate and leave a review =]